A/N: Let's go for the battle that everyone was waiting for ! By the way, I 've played the game with japanese voices, and I've found Philip's voice quite familiar... I'm not really sure, but it really reminded me of Gon Freecs's voice from the 2011 version of the anime Hunter X Hunter ! Am I wrong ?!

~Third POV~

"Crunch ! Crunch ! Crunch !"

Well hidden in a deep cave of the Thunder mountains, the base of the mischievous bandits was filled with a good amount of treasures spreaded across the room, including bags of supplies, money bags, high valuables merchandises, personnal stuff, and even a few carts filled with heavy merchandises... All that stuff has been stolen to fill the treasure's room, where the leader of the bandit's group's room is calmly having his lunch, well sit on his rocky throne which should has been robbed as well...

In this dark room hiding him in the shadows, while he was peacefully eating a big brisket, some of his minions called for him.

"B-boss !!"

They were the 3 bandits responsible of the last theft from last night, all showing panic and stress in their faces, as they just stopped right in the middle of the treasure room, catching back their breath, as the imposant man sat on the throne was quite annoyed by there presence.

"Hmmm..."

The trio kneeled down a front of their boss, when the one with the beard was the first to speak.

"Boss... We... we need to inmorf you of something !"

Despite they were disturbing his lunch, the leader put a naughty grin on his face, when he spoke at them.

"Well... why do you look so stressed ?... Just calm down... Crunch ! Let me guess... a bad new ? Though, you do not seem to come up empty-handed..."

"Y-yeah...", mumbled the bandit.

"But... you are pretty injured, let me know...", noticed the boss, with a calm tone slowly echoing through the cavern.

Indeed, the 3 bandits have been beaten up by a man much stronger than them reunited.

The faithful bandits remained stressed, when the mustached one added.

"T-to be honest, boss... our group have been repealaaaaAAAAA- CHOOO !!!", he sneezed hard.

The boss continued to eat his meal, watching down deeply at his minions.

"Crunch ! I see... How many persons have attacked you ?"

"T-two ! Boss !", answered the bald bandit.

Despite his surprise, the imposing leader remained stayed attentive.

"Two..."

"A man... and a boy.", pronounced the bandit in a low tone.

As the bandits were feeling ashamed to have been beaten by only a small number of travelers, the leader laughed calmly but coldly.

"Hahaha... A boy have scared you to death ?"

"N-not exactly, boss...", replied the bald bandit.

"We were about to get him, but the man showed up and beaten the three of us with just a doowen sword !", exclamed in fear the bearded one.

"Yeah !... We couldn't do anything against that human creature ! He wiped us out by only a single blow !...", added his mustached comrade.

Suddenly, the boss seemed concerned about the man that his minions were talking about, so much that he stopped to eat, when he showed a small grin, and calmly laughed.

"Hehehe... So... HE is really still alive, huh ?", he spoke calmly, before he added maliciously. "I would have never expected he was hiding in that small hamlet for years..."

Apparently, this man seemed to know Sir Olberic, for a certain reason. He felt excited in his mind when he learnt that new, despite the rumor telling he had fallen in battle.

He then put down his ham on a nearby rock, when one of the three bandits asked him curiously.

"W-who are you talking about, boss ?"

"Alright !", said the boss.

KLAAASHH !

As his minions flinched at the sight of his sword, he stood up and lowered his weapon, before slicing in half the giant piece of ham, even with the bone, without any effort, making the trio flinch like scaredy cats.

The leader explained coldly at his fellows, before he explained with a slightly louder voice.

"We have now enough things to know about our target and the people who ensure its safety. We should not underestimate our ennemies, but we don't have to expect a visit from us, from the moment... now we have caught their chief...", he put a small grin while telling these words, before he continued. "How about we pay a little visit to them, tomorrow ?..."

~Travis's POV~

It was still so tiring to wander in the mountains, even if I wasn't alone anymore  for now. It's been hours since we were walking through a long rocky way, which was well hidden by the fog, as we were very elevated in the mountains.

I was walking next to sir Berg, watching up at him, when he asked me.

"Are you thirsty ?"

"Yes, please.", I answered him, feeling my throat's dry.

He gave me a sort of gourd, which looked like a small bag, when I opened the cap, my hand sensing the presence of water inside. So, I slowly drank a little, before giving the gourd back.

"Thanks.", I said, cleaning my mouth.

"We are not far enough from the village, from now. We just have to follow that way, and we will be back at Cobbleston in 10 minutes.", he explained to me.

I was reassured to hear there were only 10 minutes left before we reached the village, as I really started to be exhausted. However, I can admit it was such sympathetic to take a walk with Sir Berg. We were like 2 travelers who were hiking in those mountains, in the middle of such a gigantic landscape only filed of rocks and narrow ways.

I remained patient to go back at Cobbleston, while I was thinking back about the bandits whom I've crossed path before. I was wondering where were they were hiding in those mountains.

"Too bad we haven't been able to catch those thieves: we should have retrieved the rest of the stuff they have stolen...", I said to Sir Berg.

"Oh... Do not worry about that. We will have a further opportunity for dismantling their group someday: the headsman left the village a few weeks ago in order to locate their camp, so we just pray they will manage to make it and to come back safe and sound.", told me Sir Berg in a calm tone, when he replied. "Also, you could have at least retrieved that bag, which is something good furthermore that you haven't been injured. Otherwise, I would've felt responsible."

For once he was correct: it was still a good thing I was able to retrieve that bag, even if I didn't know its owner.

Else, Berg seemed quite worried about me before he arrived to rescue me. Even if I was grateful towards him, I asked myself why he preferred to help me and not to give me up for protecting the village at the mercy of the brigands.

I spoke to him.

"Sir Berg ?...", he watched down at me curiously, before I continued. "Why did you come back to get me ? Why haven't you stayed at the village to protect the inhabitants ?"

"Because... it would be disgrace for... a man like me to give up a child like you well lost in these mounts. Even if I swore to protect the townsfolk with all my will, I'd feel ashamed to not have come to your rescue.", he answered me.

Me too I would like the village to be safe from those bandits, so when I escaped Cobbleston, I first thought sir Berg would never look for me because he has to stay to protect the villagers. However, it was really unexpected from him to leave the village temporarily just for me. I was pretty sure this man would never abandon anybody, as he has such a strong will. I even admitted I could get lost in these mountains without him.

"You really want to protect everyone, right ?", I guessed.

"This is what I wish...", he replied in a low tone, watching down at him, as he looked suite upset.

The more I talk to him, the more I believed Sir Berg has really something to hide. Indeed, he was feeling like responsible for something, we could totally read that on his face.

Effectly, I just felt in him how much he wanted to protect everyone, at any costs. But I just felt bad to think that once, he must have failed to protect someone... Were there people whom he wasn't unfortunately unable to protect ?

I couldn't support to watch him upset during the rest of the trip. Seeing people I liked being hurt or upset always made me hurt or upset, as I shared of course what they were feeling with ahuge compassion.

I wanted to talk him about something else, just to make him forgetting his misfortune. While we were walking, I stared at him and told him in a happy tone.

"By the way, I found you really strong, when you had fought the bandits !", he watched at me, a little surprised about my own amazement, when I continued to tell him how cool he was. "Honestly, I think you are the strongest man in the world I've ever seen ! It was very cool when you have wiped them out like that WOOOOSH !!", I moved my arm, mimicking the amazing sword blow he has done for making the bandits flee.

I was quite admired by his strength, just like I was one of his fan. I wanted him to know that I was proud of him.

In return, he calmly answered me.

"Thanks for the compliment, little one. I may be considered by others like a power monster, but you know... there is nothing special to possess such a strength."

"Hmm ?..."

"I've trained my body since years, days by days, so this is how I became the man I am today, practicing the basis of sword fighting in order to protect the village from brigands. And after all, the 3 men from earlier weren't very clever foes by exposing so much openings...", he explained to me in a wise tone.

I was wondering why, despite the fact that he was very strong and good with a sword, he kept telling me it was just normal. It seems like he denied me how he became so powerful...

"Yeah, that's right... But you know, Sir Berg, I think you seem to know much more than the basis of sword fighting !", I answered to him.

We continued to advance through the narrow path, sir Berg still located at the opposite side of the wall, remaining still as calm as usually, while I was lost as well in my thoughts. I couldn't stop to think about the truth about that man, but I have still an idea about that, even if I would disturb him if I asked him.

However, I was sure I will never know if I didn't ask him. So I took my time, before asking him quietly.

"Tell me, Sir Berg... Aren't you really a knight ?"

He suddenly stopped in his track, staying in place as I must have surprised him with that question.

His reaction would mean that it might be right, but I was still aware to have maybe disturbed him. So, I replied with a confident smile.

"I know I might be annoying you while asking that question... It's just you really look like one ! First you have a sword under your..."

"I told you it was the village leader who gave it to me...", he calmly interrupted.

"So, why did he give it to YOU and not to someone else ?"

"!!...", he flinched in surprise at my remark.

"Then, I find you are really someone wise, vigilant, and you were even able to find me when I lost myself in the mountains... just like you have a sixth sense ! And also... like every strong knights, you are very muscular !", I explained to him by showing him my own amazement.

Indeed, after reading a few fairy tales book at the library, I knew how knights really looked like: someone strong, brave, and ready to anything to defend the weak ! That's why I imagined him like he was one !

Sir Berg didn't really seem to be annoyed by the fact I was harassing him with that story, but he just kept insisting he wasn't one, by explaining to me.

.".. Err... You know Travis, we must not judge a person by his appearance. Indeed, a robust man like me can still be a scholar, or a pretty lady can perfectly become a knight."

"Are there... really she-knights ?!", I was surprised to learn that.

"Of course... They are even quite more common, nowadays..."

"See ? You even know a lot about knights ! I don't have any idea how you could otherwise...", I replied to him happily.

Now, I had no doubt: I was sure he must be a knight !

~Berg's POV~

By staring at this young boy right into his eyes, I could see how much he was amazed by my own person. What was worrying me, is that I already understood that this boy has totally in mind who was I really, as he kept watching me just like we could read on his slightly happy face "Come on ! Tell me you are a knight !". No matter how much I denied, he would keep insisting me about my true identity, now it was too late as he has already seen my sword hidden under my bed. After all those years to lie and to play another role, will my past will be finally revealed at this boy ?

Though, he was slightly different compared to anyone in the townsfolk. He must have in his mind such a positive picture of knights and their legendary prowesses, quite better than most of young people in the village, but even more so, this young boy was much more clever and insightful than he thought, and he was like interested in me for a reason that I couldn't explain clearly. Let's say that... this child is the kind who get quickly attached to others. Was he really admiring me only because he guessed I was a knight ?

What am I for this kid ?

Although what happened before, I never felt any fear in him when he was at the mercy of the brigands, and it was a miracle that he was able to survive alone in that environment for hours. A normal child would have never endured more than he does...

"How ! I can see the village !", he exclamed happily, as we finally spotted Clearbrook, well elevated in the mountains.

What was I supposed to do in that situation ? I couldn't continue to deny him the truth any longer... It was for me relatively important to hide that truth, in order to protect the village, but now, I admitted it was really useless to lie to that boy. I'm still very hesitant, but I think I should tell him the truth.

So, I sighted, and when he was about to walk through the road, I spoke to him with a low voice, but still loud enough to be heard.

"To be honest, Travis... I am definitely a knight."       

He immediately stopped in his tracks, and gave me a curious but also slightly serious gaze, surprised by the revelation. As I observed he needed to know more, I replied to him with a low tone.

"To be exact... I was one."

"What... what do you mean ?", he stared at me, slightly confused.

Each time I remembered this tragedy, I would always feel like a pain which came from the memory of the past, as it was difficult for me to tell the truth at someone, especially after several years.

I still managed to take my time, when I continued.

"Several years ago, I was a knight at the service of the Hornburg Kingdom, located in this vast region...", I showed him the vast mountainous landscape for explaining to him.

"I never know there was another kingdom in that country...", he spoke calmly.

"Believe me, it existed... until it fell.", I answered him with a low and sober tone.

"!!"

He was surprised to hear that, and worried in the same way.

Honestly, it's been a very long time, maybe to long, that I've never confided all the weight of the past I carried since that tragedy, until today, at this young child whom I just met yesterday... Maybe was it finally time to confess.

So, I remained calm, and started to tell my tale.

"I was a brave knight in the past, at the service of the king Alfred..."

...

After explaining to him all story during 5 good minutes, I could notice all the mercy he has for me. He felt so bad for the loss of my kingdom and my king from Erhardt's sword. It was truly as hard for me to tell as it was hard for him to listen the story which didn't finish in a happy end for me. Travis seemed to understand all the pain I knew, and was shocked to learn how that twist has deeply changed my life, and made me a wanderer who needed to flee his past, with the sole loneliness for friend... until I arrived in the village of course. However, all these events has never stopped me to haunt my mind, as that tragedy was comppletely my fault.

While we continued to walk, Travis wanted to apologize by mercy.

"That's awful... I'm sorry you have known such things..."

"Now, I am spending the rest of my life in that small village, where I became familiar with the other inhabitants, and I consider this place as my own...", I sighted annoyingly, trying to hide my shame, when I continued. "However, I'm still carrying that weight of culpability after letting my king and my kingdom dying, without I had the time to do anything... And despite all my efforts to forget my past, I've still this feeling to have failed to keep my oath... I'm also wondering if I really deserve to be called a knight."

By passing, I felt bad to have disappointed Travis with that tragic story, especially when I must have slowly destroyed his opinion about all those brave knights who never failed to protect everyone, as we tell in children stories. That's right I shouldn't deserve to be considered like one, but like a simple forgotten warrior. That day, we could say that Olberic Eisenberg, the unbending blade of Hornberg, is really dead, and didn't exist anymore...

I heard his voice speaking to me.

"You know, Sir Berg... I don't think it was your fault if you have failed.", I watched down at him to listen, when he replied. "Exactly, I don't think you have failed at all: it was this guy called "Ehadr"... No, "Edratt"..."  

It seemed like he has difficulties to pronounce correctly his name, when he asked me.

"How did we pronounce his name, again ?"

"Erhardt."

"Yeah, "Erhardt"!... It was his fault if you have lost everything, not yours. I might do not know so much about you, but I think you have done your best to protect the king and the kingdom. The proof is that you were precisely the knight of the king ! That's already good that he wanted such someone so strong and brave like you to protect him and the kingdom ! Plus, you're still someone who wish to help anyone, like when you helped me twice !", he explained to me with a small smile.

His words really touched me, and it was hard to believe they were just from the mouth of a child. He did not say wrong to tell me that I did the best I could to try to protect my kingdom, that I still kept my habitude to take the oath to protect the weak from evil. It's been years since I was looking for this kind of response, althought I already had it in mind without I took the time to notice how much I was still fighting for my life...

He then felt bad as well, his eyes watching down at the floor, when he declared.

"Me too... I would like so much to be as brave and strong as you are. Me too, I would like to know who am I really, and why I got these powers and that strength... I have no idea how to use them well, and for what reason...", he watched at his hands.

This boy was aware that he contained such a powerful force, which I couldn't really explain, as I've only seen an overview of his electrical powers. I wanted as well to figure out the truth about the powers of that boy, which definitively made him someone's special. Was he like... the secret love son of a family of wizards ? But if he told me he didn't know were his powers came from, did that mean no one had taught this unique magic to him ?

When I watched at him, still trying to find out the mystery of his own past, it's just like I was seeing myself again, like in a mirror... in a more psychological context, of course. Indeed, I found him well lost, just like he appeared from nowhere, and unable to tell me where did he come from. By the way, he too he seemed well lost in these vast lands, aware that he tried desperately to find his own path, just like I tried to find my own place. Furthermore that he wanted to be as brave as me, the fact that this boy knew nothing about his origins reminded me of myself of my own childhood, which I barely remember anything, with just the memories of me joining the forces of Hornburg alongside with Erhardt.

He was really sociable, and also determined to be brave. In some ways, he reminded me of Philip, who has also a strong will like he did. Something is even telling me that all what he endured made him a really cheerful boy that he is today.

As we were almost arrived at Cobblestone, he declared to me with a grin.

"Ah ! And don't worry: I will won't tell anyone about your past. It will be our little secret, right ?"

"All right. Thank you, my boy.", I smiled him back.

Now, each others were both sharing a secret.

As the sun started to set behind the mountain, we were barely arrived to the top, when I noticed Philip's mother who went towards us.

"Sir Berg !", she called us.

Philip's mother, whom the name is Sandra, was still a beautiful woman in her early thirties. She had a red bandana retaining her light brown hair set in a chignon, and wore a read dress which reached her knees alongside with a white apron. She was definitely a soft and kind person, who took care of her son alone and really cared for his well-being and the villager's ones, and she was loved by most of the townfolk for a kindess.

She approached towards us, and was really reassured .

"Thanks the twelve gods, you're safe ! And the boy too !..."

"It's alright, Sandra. We are just a little exhausted..."

"I was so worried about you... I hope you haven't crossed the past with any brigands..."

"Honestly, we did.", I answered to her, as she began to be quite to her, when I continued.   "Thanksfully, nothing serious happened. Moreover, we could have retrieved something from them..."

I handed her the bag of money which the brigands have stolen last night.

Surprised, she took back the purse, as she was so greatful.

"Oh... It's my savings ! I really thought I had lost it forever ! How can I thank you, Sir Berg ?"

"Hum... Actually, you're speaking at the wrong person..."

"It's me who had recovered you bag, madam.", replied Travis, a little proud.

"Oh... Thank you !", she bended down and hugged him gratefully, as he flinched of surprise, when she calmly broke the hug, when she told him. "Since the beginning, I was always convinced that you weren't a thief, you know."

"R-really ?", he asked surprisingly.

Sandra was such a nice mother towards anyone, at a point where she refused the idea that Travis was the traitor of the village, as he was still so young. She didn't really enjoy we accused someone like him.

About that, I wanted to know more about the situation of the village.

"By the way, have the townsfolk still maintained their anger towards Travis during my abscence ?", I asked her.

"Err... Not really. The village started to calm down after that event, but there are still some citizens who have still the same idea about the identity of the spy..."

"I see..."

"What about my bag ?...", Travis asked calmly.

"Ah, sorry... The old Spencer has thought it would be better to confiscate it to you, knowing him...", she answered to him with a calm tone.

"Oh...", mumbled the boy, disappointed as he cared to his stuff.

"Do not worry. I will talk to him in the hope to change his mind, but I do not promise anything...", I promised him, making him reassured, when I added. "For now, it's time to find something to fulfill our stomach, after all our adventure."

"Hehe ! Yeah !", he exclamed happily.

It's been a moment we haven't eaten something, and Travis really loved the idea to devour a good meal after that exhausting day. Me too, I was tired after all I've been through, honestly...

I had to cancel the training practice for today, in order to bring back Travis in the village, but knowing Philip, he would sometimes train alone when I was too busy to lead the practice, furthermore he wanted to progress faster to prove me he wanted to surpass me one day.

"Where is Philip, anyway ?", I asked his mother.

"He is resting at our home: he had trained himself alone during the entire day, so he is quite exhausted. Actually, I find him quite strange, for an unknown reason..."

"Strange, you said ?"

"It's just like... he was troubled. Maybe he is getting to that age, when he needs a father... Oh no ! I-I did not mean to say...", she apologized to me.

"It's alright. Me too, since a long time, I've noticed he progressively needed to find a model whom he could look up, so he could slowly but surely growing up. You have raised such a good lad, I think."

"Thank you... It's just starting to be more difficult for me to take care of him without he has any father figure at his sides...", she calmly confided.

She was aware that although all the care and love she gave him, her son's place won't be definitely with her. She was feeling guilty to have raised him without the presence of a father, no matter how much she cared for her son.

I noticed Philip peering at the door of his home, watching me with a troubled glare. I could see how disturbed he looked, and I was sure this is not only explained by his fatigue. My absence might have annoyed him, while he needed my supervision to train faster, especially at this moment, when the village is menaced by the bandits greed.

He then went back inside, after training himself for a long time, but I could see how serious was his glare. I found him... troubled, particularly this morning when he seemed to have a grudge on Travis, as he thought he was responsible for the theft of his mother's purse. I think he is quite different since yesterday...

What kind of problem is troubling him ?

"Sir Berg ! Are you coming ?", called a voice.

Travis was waiting for me in front of the inn, when I went back to my thoughts.

"Yes, I'm coming."

~Later~

Less customers were filling the restaurant compared to yesterday, while most of the tables were unoccupied, and the room was less louder.

I peered the owner of the inn at the bar, when I called her calmly.

"Good evening, Camillia."

"Good evening...", she calmly answered me, but not with the happy tone like she was used to use.    

She looked annoyed, waiting at the bar while watching above her, well lost in her thoughts, as we were wondering why was she in a slightly bad mood.

"What's wrong ?", I asked her, approching myself as Travis was climbing a high chair to reach the bar.

"I have a good and bad new to tell you... The bad new, is that last night, all of my food provisions stowed in my cave has been stolen last night...", she answered in a low tone.

"What ?!!", exclamed Travis.

I felt bad for her loss as well, as I reminded the village wasn't a safe place anymore, with all those bandits opressing its inhabitants. How dare they would steal food provisions from an inn, where some cooks were using all their love to provide us good meals ?

"My apologies... What's the good new, anyway ?", I asked her curiously.

"The good new... IS THAT THEY HAVEN'T STOLEN MY SPECIAL CHEESE !!", she suddenly became as excited as she was usually, taking immediately an happy tone, while showing us proudly a big piece of cheese.

Me and Travis were caught off by her surprise. So, she would regain their smile, even if almost all her provisions have been stolen. I think she is way too positive in that kind of situation...

"Ah... Great.", I answered her, still embarassed.

"And don't worry, they have also forgotten to steal my food provisions stowed in my other cave. Have I told you I have another cave ?"

"No...", I answered her weirdly.

She then clapped her hands and went to the kitchen.

"Okayyyyyyy ! I'll prepare you both of my specialities, as usually !"

She let us the cheese as an appetizer. It has an arounded form, and the smell was so strong that it was present in the entire inn. What a good and fresh piece of cheese, well conserved for months !

While the smell gave me the will to taste it, Travis, however, just watched weirdly at the milk product.

I proposed him.

"Have you ever ate a good cheese ?"

"Err... No.", he mumbled.

"Would you like to taste for the first time ?"

He hesitated, before he decided.

"Mhhh... Okay."

I took the knife next to the cheese and cut a small piece. He then picked it up and watched his food curiously, when he slowly munched a small part, before putting it back.

He made a weird frown, and told me.

"There is such a weird taste..."

"You said it ! Only a few people have chosen to taste this cheese first, despite its sour taste.", I then took at my turn a piece of cheese, when I started to taste it, as I found it delicious. "But you know, when you will be used to appreciate the warm taste of these milk products... Mmmh !... There is nothing better than this one."

I then spotted Camilia and her husband both serving us our warm meals.

"Here's the main course !", she exclamed happily.

"Y-yeah... The m-main course...", added shyly his husband, trembling in place.

Each plates were decorated with a few slices of salami, alongside with a green fresh salad and bacon and bread. The smell was so tasty that it became difficult to restrain from eating. It wa such a typical meal we serve in country inns like this one.

"Enjooooooooyyyy your meals !", she told us happily, before they went back in the kitchen.

While I didn't have the time to start eating, I noticed Travis was so hungry that he already devoured a third of his plate. He was eating so quickly, after all the time he had spent in these mountains without eating. As for me, although I was very hungry as well , I managed to take my time before I slowly started to eat.

Nevertheless, the meal filled of meat were such a treat, and Travis felt so delighted to eat in my company.

"You know, Sir Berg, I enjoy when you teach me things about the food we eat here. I know I might not like everything but... Crunch !... I would like so much to learn more about the delicious meals of this world !"

"Well, we can say that you have still a lot of things to learn. Every seconds that goes by, the world is progressively evolving, so you would be happy to discover what savors is still hiding the land of Orsterra."

It was my opinion about the savors of Orsterra. I might have been a knight, but that didn't prevent me to have a positive one about culinary specialities.

"So... if you are a kni..."

"Shhh... People are around us...", I shushed him, reminding him that we kept that as a secret.

Thanskfully, there were not too much customers, this night, and some of them were way too much preoccuppied by their beers. But we have still to be careful our secret won't be discovered...

He continued with a slightly lower tone.

"If you are a knight, you must know a lot of things about that country !"

"Indeed. When I exercised my functions as a knight of the crown, I often travelled through the country during my missions and my expeditions. I received some missions from any regions: from the hot deserts of the Sunlands, to the gorgeous waves of the sea from the Coastlands, by passing through the luxurious city of Atlasdam. All those missions gave me a lot of work, but it was still a pleasure for me to be able to protect the weak and to fight evil. However, it's been 8 years since I've never travelled anymore, so I have only a few memories of what the country looked like, and so it might have changed during these years."

"Woaah !..."

I could see through his blue eyes all the amazement he had about the immensity of the country. Never seen a boy with such thirst of discovery !

"Nice to hear you are admired by all those places, young Travis... This is truly incredible, at your age, how much you want to see how the world look like. I can tell you some tales of mine, if you are interested...", I smiled at him while eating.

"I... I would be pleased to hear these stories, Sir Berg ! I... I want so much to know why the stories of your adventures are amazing, and to imagine how beautiful were the places you have visited !...", he happily answered me, feeling as impatient as he was happy, when he slowly calmed himself. "Though, I still prefer to discover them through my own eyes. Else, if you tell me everything, I wouldn't be surprised anymore..."

What a wise decision... As wise as his will was strong... Like the perfect mental of a true warrior like me.

He then asked me while eating.

"By the way: did you have left for a quest with others knights ?"

"Of course. Several time with the company of the knights ardante... They had sometimes requested our help in order to resolve conflicts and to carry out a particular quest."

"And what kind of quest have you accomplished together ?... Have you ever fought a dragon ?!"

"Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to deal against the fire of dragons. You should know that dragons have disappeared since centuries of years. Else, the missions I've accomplished with my fellows were mostly related to some enemy groups of the country..."

"What kind of groups ?"

"Mostly ennemies of the crown: brigands, conspirators, criminals... At this period, the kingdom was the aim of several evil associations..."

"Why ?", he watched at me curiously.

"...I don't even know how to explain that. There are still a lot of grey areas on this tragedy which had unfolded in Hornburg... This is why I had mostly stayed faithful towards my king during these years: safekeeping him from any danger was my first priority. When I was out for a mission, it was Erhardt himself who undertook his security... Until the day when he had slain him and the rest of his subjects.", I finished in a sad tone.

I couldn't still believe Erhardt have done such an horrible act, although he was my brother in weapons, my friend... During all these years, I wondered what kind of motivation pushed him to slay my king a front of my eyes and to have making a kingdom disappear... Though, I had never time to make some research when I was hiding in that village.

"Was... was he really strong like that ?", he asked me, concerned.

"We can say that he was as strong as me."

"As strong as you ?!"

"Of course. Only a few men were able to rivalize against me with a sword in hand, especially that man. Actually, I have no idea what happened to him next, if he is dead or not... Anyway, I have lost all the reasons which maintained my knight status: no matter how many years I spend in that village, the past will be always tracking me down..."

It's been a moment that I've lost my function of knight of the crown after the king's death and Hornburg's disappearance. I haven't still found the true reason which made me a proud warrior who fight for a particular goal, and it was since I've arrived in that hamlet that I started to ask myself that question in particular...

What was my reason to swing the sword ?

Travis, who just listened, continued to eat his plate, until he swallowed the last piece of bacon, when he confided me with a quite pensive.

"Me too I sometimes think about my all past, about all the errors I've made and that I will never repair... If I could, I would rewind the time and I will help myself from the past for telling him what he has to do... but I can't... So, I have still so much regret to have done all these mistakes... But... the reason which maintained me to survive that hard lifestyle... was my dream to discover the world. So, to reassure and encourage myself, I can not stop to think about it anymore."

What a good lad. Just like Philip, he has pluck, ambition, and also a strong will to achieve his dreams. He really reminded me of that boy, with all his talents and his amazing determination. Honestly, I think I started to appreciate that boy: it's been a good time since I've never spoke really about my problems at someone, and he knew how to restore my hope. I liked a lot his company, and I would be pleased to teach him more things about how to become a man someday...

"Whaaaaaaaat are you two talking about ? You both seem to be big talkers !", cheered happily a voice.

Camilla suddenly appeared from the kichen, while carrying plates of food for others customers. As she was observing us with a lot of curiosity, I quickly managed to find a lie.

"Oh. We were just a little worried for your stolen products, it's still a tragedy if a part of your resources has been robbed."

"Ha ! That's not a big deal ! I ever thought I had too many, anyway.", she declared us.

"Aren't you too angry, madam, about that ?", asked Travis.

"It's ok ! I haaaaaaave to keep the smile to satisfy my customers ! And honestly, I never thought that you would be a potential spy of these stupid brigands !"

"Is that right ? Why do you think I'm innocent ?"

"Ha ! If you were really a spy who planned to steal my beautiful meals, I think you should have stolen it for yourselves instead of giving the booty at the others thieves !", she joked with a laugh.

Glad to hear that she didn't believe Travis to be the brigands spy, but her deduction was quite far-fetched.

How can she act in a manner so... weird ? She's definitely quite crazy to do such theories...

She then went back behind the bar and prepared a few drinks, when she asked us.

"The same things, as always ?", she  handed us a glass of apple juice and a pint of beer.

Travis immediately nodded yes at the sight of his favorite drink, as I agreed as well for the beer.

After we both drank a sip like two drinking partners, we slowly regained our positiveness, when I declared to Travis.

"By the way, let me tell you that before that day, Erhardt had done such positive things."

"Oh yeah ? Like what ?", he asked me while putting his glass a front of it, ready to listen.

Good memories started to come back in my mind, as I reminded all the epic moments I've known with Erhardt's company. I then started to tell him more about our prodigious teamwork.

"Me and him formed an exceptional team, furthermore that we considered each others as true brothers in weapons. We often teamed up together to fight enemies, monsters, calamities, and sometimes one of us would put itself in danger, but thanskfully, one of us were still here to save the other. So, we had fun to start to count how many time I saved him, and how many time he saved me."

"Ha ha ha ! Really ?!", laughed calmly the boy.

"And would you like to know what Erhardt was used to say when I counted how much time I saved his life ?... He said "the 34th time didn't even count, I just had a cramp !"", I tried calmly to mimick Erhardt's voice at my voice.

Travis laughed quite louder, as I smiled in relief.

We stared at each other for a moment, and it was such a pleasant moment to supper with that boy. Seriously, we both started to have a good complicity between us. He admired me and enjoyed my stories, while I took pleasure to sympathetize with him. For a boy who had such a difficult past... he has such a bright smile.

"You must have known amazing adventures, you and he ! Me too I would like to do brave things like you, and to protect anyone like an hero !", he exclamed happily.

He was still so cheerful, furthermore to be a kind-hearted person... The more I knew him, the more I would notice all powerful was his will, behind his positive attitude. I didn't know if he was aware or not, but this child carried such an incredible power, which must has helped him during all his life, like a bright flame burning to the very bottom of his being. Indeed, he was much less shy than other kids of his age, and much smarter. I've never felt such a wisdom at someone, as the boy seemed quite wiser than even Philip.

He has ambition, bravery, and something told me that all these benefits needed to be developped. Maybe it wasn't a bad idea, after all... furthermore that he asked me to.

So, as I finished my beer, I replied to him.

"By the way, I have changed my mind."

"Huh ?

"I would like to train you at the basis at sword fighting, if you don't mind."

His smile became brighter than before, when he exclamed happily.

"Really ?!"

"Of course. We can start tomorrow."

"Thank you !"

He suddenly hugged my leg happily, as I nicely patted his hair in return.

He was suddenly so impatient to start, when I added.

"However, I advice you to wake up soon when the sun shows up. It will be hard in the beginning, in order to prepare your defense. Understood ?"

"Understood !", he answered with satisfaction.

We both finished our drinks, when I left my chair.

"Alright. It's late, you should take some sleep right now, if you want to be in shape tomorrow."

"Okay !"

After I payed the owner, Travis then left the restaurant by walking fast, heading in direction of my home.

What a brave boy: he isn't only taking the training practice by pure pleasure, he is totally aware that he needed to get stronger to face the dangers of this world.

As the entrance was wide opened, I noticed from far Philip watching at me with a serious glare, before he went back at his home.

Philip... This boy definitely worked so hard to become a warrior someday, and all what happened today might be disturbing him. Was he feeling to weak to protect his mother after brigands were able to rob her ?

It seems that he observed me and Travis eating together at the inn since the beginning... But how was it disturbing him ?

What's wrong with him ?...

He was already 9 years old and he already developped such a wisdom, despite he was sometimes quite impulsive... I understood how much he needed the help of a mentor.

"HAAAAAaaaaa..."

I yawned quietly, as I headed in direction of my house, where Travis must be actually.

~5 AM at the morning~

~Travis's POV~

That night, even if Sir Berg was still snoring in his rest, I could still sleep so nice...

That must be awesome to be a brave knight like Sir Berg ! So, I dreamed that I became a proud knight during the entire night. In my dream, I had a beautiful sword, and I got amazing adventures where I travelled through the imaginary country, beating bad people easily, exploring such abandoned castle with very high towers, fighting an impressive dragon who breathed fire with both my sword and my electric powers, and after realizing such bravery, it wasn't a princess I was saving... it was Ophilia, who was considering me as her hero, before giving me a "special reward" in thanks.

The dream repeated again and again, that I might have sometimes moved and spoke in my sleep, and it was mostly at the part with Ophilia when I blushed and smiled weirdly.

"It's fine Ophilia... You are safe now...", I mumbled in my sleep.

KNOCK ! KNOCK ! KNOCK !

I suddenly left the dreamlands due to the loud sounds of someone knocking at the door, when I heard it being opened, alongside with a voice.

"Morning Travis. It is time."

It was sir Berg, already awaken.

I then slowly woke up with difficulty, wishing to sleep a little more, as I observed he was already dressed, when I stretched my arms.

"Mmmhhh... Wouaaaahhh ! What time is it ?"

"It is 5 in the morning, now hurry up.", he told me.

I felt my stomach grumbling a little.

"Can I take something to eat before ?", I asked at Sir Berg.

"I advice you against that: you must learn how to focus on your senses with or without an empty stomach."

"Ooohh..."

I was a little contraried, but when I left my bed, he added.

"Do not worry, you will eat later."

I couldn't really understand why he didn't want me to take something for breakfast before we train, but now I was determined to prepare myself at being stronger, I preferred to follow his advice, and I could still wait a little before eating !

So, I quickly dressed up myself, and headed at the door.

"Let's go !", I said at myself.

I opened the door, when I noticed Berg was talking with another man.

"Dawn patrol, sir ! Nothing to report.", announced the man.

"Great work. But stay vigilant: they might come from anywhere.", adviced Berg at the person.

"Yes, sir !"

The person then headed at the left of Berg's house.

I decided to enquire with Sir Berg about him.

"Who was he ?"

"One of the watchmen: they are working as lookouts around the village, in order to prevent any brigands attack. Yesterday, I have doubled the patrols, as we said "can't be too safe""

It wasn't a nice feeling to be in that village which is menaced by bandits. I heard that they didn't only steal things, but also kidnap people, so I could understand how worried was the village about these bad guys. Plus, I remembered they have weapons, making them too dangerous with their victims...

"Are you sure it will be enough ?", I asked at Sir Berg.

"I hope so.", he replied, when he called me. "Now, fetch !"

He threw me something without I had the time to notice, but I quickly had the reflex to catch it. It was a wooden sword, the same one like Philip's !

Berg then declared me wisely.

"Nice catch ! I see you have developped some natural reflexes."

"N-natural reflexes ?", I asked him, confused but also concerned.

"Me too, I have developped natural reflexes in my whole life. Only a few people would be born with these principles which help the body to accomplish such feats, but with time, anybody who is used to train at combat would gain progressively this attitude. Now, follow me."

"Okay !"

I followed him as he turned at the right, in direction of a grassy meadow with a beautiful view in the mountains.

I might finally have an answer about all these amazing reflexes I had, like when I knocked out a guard with a chair in that manor, or caught back one of Zeph's potion which has fallen from the trees. I didn't understand how I got them, but I was surprised to learn that I wasn't alone to have these impressive skills. Sir Berg really knew a lot about all fighting skills, maybe he too he has those kinds of reflexes...

Anyway, I was very impatient to start, and it was hard to believe I was carrying such a sword, like true knights !

I have finally my own sword !

Though, it was just a wooden sword, but I was still happy to have one. It was lighter than my axe, but slightly longer at the nivel of the blade. I couldn't stop to look at this weapon while following Berg.

We both arrived at the small meadow, with a beautiful view at the mountains, and darkened by the shadow of a rocky hill which was the highest point of the village.

"We will be training here.", said Sir Berg.

"Yah !"

Of course, I immediately started to swing my sword in the void, imagining myself hitting ferocious enemies and also imagining them trying to attack me, when Sir Berg noticed me.

"What are you doing ?"

"I'm trying my sword..."

"Focus yourself: this is not a toy, this is something which keep you alive. If ever you take a bad pose, well..."

TCHAAK !

Sir Berg suddenly took a wooden sword and hit my weapon so hard that I dropped it and fell on my back. I was unarmed !

I couldn't believe how quick and powerful was his blow, as I had no time to see it coming.

"You are dead.", I managed to slowly get up and to pick up my sword, when he replied to me. "But before we start: I've told you last night that the first lesson will be hard. Are you still ready to train yourself ? You can stop at any moment, if you want."

He was so serious when he said that. Despite how ambitious and determined I was, he still considered me like someone who was as strong as a little beetle. He wanted me to understand how hard the training will be, and I quickly understood when he insisted with the word "hard".

Seriously, he was much more stronger that I was, and he seemed so serious and attentive that I didn't even think I would stand up to him with my superpowers. When he just pushed me with that powerful blow, I noticed how big was the gap of power between me and him, and how much I still needed to progress... Though, this is what I wanted. I have to train myself if I wanted to help the others at any cost, no matter how hard the situation is. This is not because I was only 6 years old that I have to be protected by the others !

Sir Berg was waiting patiently at my answer, when the determination went back to fulfill my will, making me standing up without any will to give up, as my eyes burned of impatience when I answered him seriously.

"No. I don't want to stop. I want to get stronger and to protect all people I like !"

"Good answer.", told me Sir Berg, who seemed quite reassured at my choice, when he ordered calmly. "First, show me how you handle a sword."

I did what he said, holding the handle tightly with both hands, when he replied.

"This is not a two-handed sword. Try to hold it with a single hand."

I slowly let my left hand go of the handle, trying to find the best way to carry my weapon, when Sir Berg adviced me.

"Rise it a little... Good."

I was now carrying it with the sharp part pointed upwards, in direction of the sky, like I was holding a torch. It was such an elegant position to carry a sword, quite comfy, just like it was a polite way to hold a weapon. I noticed Sir Berg was holding him in the same way as well.

But there was still something that I found missing, something which is an important detail for knights.

"Anyway, I don't have a shield ?"

"That won't be necessary: it might be useful to protect yourself, but a true warrior must know how to defend himself with a single sword, in any conditions. So, use your weapon to attack and to defend yourself, but let me tell you that best defense is good offense."

"O-okay !...", I replied to him, listening calmly at his useful advices.

I was wondering why I don't have a shield, as it would be obvious for knight to use a shield. In books, I've always seen knights carrying a shield to protect themselves from anything, like the fire of a dragon... Anyway, maybe it was better to start without the shield...

He then positioned in a specifical way, ready to fight.

"Right. Before training yourself at controlling your powers, you should start to train you body and your reflexes. Are you ready ?"

"More than ever ! Yaahhh !"

I then ran towards Sir Berg, holding my sword tightly, when he took his sword in a defensive position, and managed to give him a few blows on his sword, trying to disarm him like he did with me. I was quite dynamic in my moves, and went the quickest as possible to hit the hardest.

TCHAK ! TCHAK ! TCHAK !

TCHAAAAAA !

I was suddenly disarmed one more time by sir Berg, despite all my efforts, when he positioned his sword menacingly towards my face.

"Your enemy has beaten you."

Each time he said something like that, I believed I would have really diead if I was fighting for real...

He then replied me.

"Now pick your sword.", I did what he said without hesitation, and while my blood was boiling as much as I wanted to pursue my training, he announced me. "It will be a long day, you know !"

We then started back to clash swords.

~2 hours later~

All these practices were really something: Sir Berg continued to train me by testing my blows and my vivacity, when he easily disarmed me so much times by passing. He also started to train me about different skills: he taught me than we can use our legs when we are clashing swords in order to destabilise an enemy, as well as the way how to counter it, even if I didn't clearly master that technique.

He then explained me through repetitions a wide list of manners how to hit with a sword. There was the classic frontal attack, when we attack an enemy like when we are cutting a tree with an axe; the tsuki thrut, which needed quite precision to pierce the ennemy, and also a "spin attack", where we make a circular sword blow with a 360 degrees turns around us, useful when we are fighting numerous foes. He also taught me other kinds of techniques which could help me to perfectionate my reflexes: he showed me how to jump in order to prevent our legs being cut in half; he taught me how to defend myself at some blows I just learned, and how to counter attack each of them; and how to anticipate any blows at my best.

There were so much useful things I learned today with Sir Berg, and I was really glad to have learned each of them, even if it wasn't still perfect. However, I was still motivated to progress so hard, so much that he even confided me that most of the people he had trained before would take more time to master some skills I've learned today. We could really say I was learning fast, but maybe it was because I had such an awesome teacher ?...

Anyway, I finally found the benefit to practice at sword fighting. Indeed, he wasn't especially training people for making them knights, but mostly how to defend ourselves in the world. The more I was maining that sword, the more I was aware about how dangerous the world I've entered was...

It was such a tough training, but I refused to give up thanks to my will's strength. We sometimes had breaks of 5 minutes at every 30 minutes, but we haven't still ate something, as my stomach started to claim more. Though, I was so preoccupied by the practice itself that I was able to stay patient. I've learned a lot of techniques with Sir Berg in only 2 hours, but I was pretty sure there was still a lot more to learn, according to him.

I was one more time attacking Sir Berg with my sword, as he tried to attack me to make sure I would counter the blows, and put into practice all what he taught me, when he was about to attack me.

"At your left !", he yelled.

I prepared myself, ready to counter the blow, when at my surprise, in the heat of battle, he made an unexpected movement.

"Huh ?!"

TCHAAAAAAA !!

He hit me by the right side instead, making me dropping my sword, and falling on my knees.

"You are dead, now.", he announced me with a serious tone.

I was really confused.

I slowly got up on my knees and retrieved my sword, when I told him.

"But... you said you will touch me by the..."

"By the left, yes I did... Though, what I say isn't always exactly what I will do..."

"Do you mean... you have lied ?"

"I admit it is such a sneaky move... Just keep in mind that in a single battle, your opponent will find any way to trouble your senses in order to find an opening and to give you a fatal blow. So, try more to focus on what you see than what you hear, these senses will keep you alive, believe me. You know, most of people who learn the sword would be tricked by this move the first time..."

His explanation really convinced me: it must amazing for him to know thousands of techniques with a sword. Not surprising for a former knight !

"I see. Are there still dangerous and strong persons who fight like this ?"

"I am hightly doubting the contrary, you know.", he replied me coldly.

He then prepared himself, as I did the same, when I suddenly felt myself getting a lot of heat to attack him again, no matter how strong he was. The more I was attacking me, the more I would get stronger !

"Are you ready ?"

"Yes !", I answered him with an impressive determination.

"Show me what you got !", he yelled at me impatiently.

"aaaaAAAAAHHHH !!!"

I ran towards him when we started to clash swords one more time.

TCHAK ! TCHAK !

It was such a tight battle, even if I was pretty sure Berg wasn't at his best, because he was mostly standing in place and moving a little.

WOOOOSHHH !!

I managed to bend down to avoid one of his blow, when I tried one more time to assault him.

TCHA ! TCHAAAAA !

We were rubbing our swords against each others, when Berg spoke to me during the battle.

"Nice approach ! You learn quickly, huh ?"

"Of course, Sir Berg ! All your advices were useful..."

"I see. One more advice: WATCH OUT !"

He repealed me again, but I haven't dropped my sword, and I managed to quickly regain my balance, when he charged and was about to slice me from the right.

I see !

I prepared myself to make sure he wouldn't hit me for the left instead, but I also anticipated the fact he would really touch me from the right.

This is what he did, when I was able to counter it and to counter attack, as we managed to clash swords.

TCHAAA ! TCHA ! TCHA !

I suddenly lost my balance, as Sir Berg created an opening, and was about to touch me.

"YAAHHH !"

!!!

I felt myself without any option to counter it, when by reflexe...

SCRAAAAATCH !!

I surprised him with a thunder who just passed a front of him, making him stepping back quickly.

GZZZ !!! GZZZ !!!

Oops !

I didn't know what it took me to use my powers, although I sweared to not use them during the practice, but it was just an accident. Though, I've almost electrocuted him...

I wanted to apologize.

"I... I'm sorry ! I didn't mean to..."

He then regained his balance, and remained calm, as he looked really concerned by what I just did.

"It is fine, Travis. You felt yourself in danger, right ?"

"Yeah... But it was just a training..."

"All what have taught you about the attitude you must adopt in battle, you shouldn't consider it as just training... Indeed, you must not think you are training yourself: just imagine you are alone, when a criminal want to harm you, and you only have this sword to defend yourself. If you do not take seriously the practice, you will not progress at all."

What a strict man... but his remarks weren't wrong, as they should permit me to progress further... I never expected that it would be such a serious training...

"O-okay... I have just to imagine you are an enemy, right ?"

"Try to see me as someone who want to end up your life."

What a nice thought...

However, he didn't seem to be angry that I used my powers. He was instead pretty interested by them, and what I just did.

He spoke back to me.

"Anyway, you do not seem to control your powers. They are dangerous to people around you: remember you have electrocuted someone, last night..."

"Yes... I hope he is fine...", I said, feeling guilty for having harming him.

"He is alright, thansfully. But it could be worse if you had used more electricity."

That's right it was difficult for me to control them since I've obtained them. And I pretty aware about how dangerous my powers were, as electricity could harm people.

I watched at my hands, when I spoke.

"I couldn't help myself how to use them correctly, because they sometimes appear when I'm in danger, like last night, where I have just panicked... and I lashed out."

"I see. As a knight, I might not know a lot about magic, but I can admit there are some similarities between how to fight with a sword, and how to control your magic."

"Really ?", I asked him, concerned.

"Do you remember what kind of runts were you able to perform when you unleash that energy ?", he asked me.

I was reminding all the moments when I've used my superpowers, including the fight with the giant statue, the giant snake, and the giant chameleon, when I responded to Sir Berg.

"Well... I can produce thunder and electrocute everything... I can also run faster, jump higher, and also... I have like a superhuman strength with all electricity..."

"A superhuman strength, you say ?"

"Yeah !..."

I bet he was mostly curious about my strength.

He then made an explanation.

"I think your electricity cover your body like an armor: it should protect you better from powerful impact, while it gives you by the way an impressing strength. Furthermore, if you want to learn how to control them, you must need as much concentration as when you swing a sword. For that, like what I taught you with a weapon, you will have to learn how to defend yourself with them, how to protect your weak spots, and how to counter attack. That kind of training is compatible with any manner to fight."

It was quite interestant what he said: were my powers really like an armor ? Like something which made me much stronger ? So that must explain why I was able to push the giant so far... And also, I was wondering when I fought the Ghisarma with H'aanit, why I was running faster while my first were less stronger... I really wished I could figure it out and learn how to control that magic.

Sir Berg then pursued.

"If I pursue my theory, I would deduce your powers work like a battery."

"Like a battery, you said ?"

I think I've already heard that somewhere...

"Tell me: do you remember a moment where you were not able to produce electricity for a time ? When you have felt it disappearing ?"

I reminded the time when I lost effectly my powers when I was about to beat that giant statue, and also when I was riding that enormous snake. It's been a moment I had no idea how they have disappeared...

"Y-yeah. After that, I couldn't use my powers for a time ! I may be able to control them a little when they are activated... but after, it's just like they are doing it their way ! How it is possible, according to you ?", I asked his opinion.

He was thinking a little, when he gave me his answer.

"It seems you have troubles to control their activation and desactivation. You said that they mostly appeared when you felt yourself in danger, right ? "

"Uh-uh !", I nodded.

"Well, I might have a theory: they must activate when you have strong feelings, like when you felt really menaced, or scared. You should learn to control you feelings first, if you want to control your powers."

"That... I control my feelings ?"

"If ever they have really an impact on your magic, that's means that you will have to control yourself."    

Controling myself... controling my feelings... I never knew that would have a link with my superpowers. But he was right to say they must have activated by themselves when I was in danger: when I was about to be violently smashed by the giant statue, to be eaten alive by snakes, and also when the Ghisarma had found me in S'warkii's remains.

But how can I control my feelings ? I couldn't even touch them !

Berg then adviced me.

"Listen, if you are stowing electricity in your body, you can be considered like an human battery. However, let me tell you that a battery always needs to be stimulated."

"Stimulated ?"

"If you find a proper technique, like a gest, which can stimulate your body with the effect of a lever switch, it should help you to unleash your magic."

I watched at my hands, starting to be aware that I really needed to focus on the control of my powers. It's been a long time I wanted to control them, and if ever I used them too much without care, I might not be able to use them when I really need them ! I have to control them if I wanted to help anyone !

Every battery needs to be recharged...

Is this what the man with the yellow helmet wanted to tell me ? That I needed to "recharge" my superpowers ? That was right I was like a battery myself, because I've heard in the real world that, some toys who used electricity like a radio-controlled car would need batteries to work. Did that mean I was the battery and my superpowers the "toy" ?

Maybe... But I still needed to understand how I can make appear my superpowers when I wanted to use them. And I have no idea what kind of technique I could try to stimulate myself... Maybe something I've already done before ?...

How could I stimulate my own body ?...          

...

I know !

I just got an idea of technique I could use to make appear my powers of electricity ! Maybe it would work like last time !

So, I concentrated myself, when each of my hands crossed the index and the middle finger and...

Gzzzzttt ! Gzzzzttt ! SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCCCCCHHHHH !

A bunch of electricity covered my body while emitting bright thunder around me, just like it was a light armor, as some sparks would move on the grassy ground.

Berg was also surprised as well, and continued to watch me, as he managed to stay a little away in order to not being electrocuted, but he seemed proud of me.

I the uncrossed my fingers, where all all electricity was forming around me, as I observed the amazing spectacle of sparks and thunder, when I yelled happily.

"It's working ! It's working !"

My superpowers finally appeared as I wished, by just crossing my fingers ! I was finally controlling them !

The thunders continued to cover me in a 1 meter radius, when I decided to cross my fingers a second time to make sure they would disappear.

SCRAAAAAA !!!... Gzzzz ! Gzzzz !

All the electricity around me managed to come back at me and to cover me, before they disappeared.

I also made a big noise when I summoned that thunder, making me and Sir Berg surprised. Now, I knew why we called these mountains the "Thunder mountains" !

As we watched around us to make sure no one was observing us, we heard a voice calling us.

"Sir Berg !"

It was Philip, the son of the lady whom I've managed to get back her purse, who looked surprised to notice both of us.

"Ah. Good morning, Philip.", said calmly Berg.

"Morning, Sir Berg... Is that me, or I just sighted a thunder ?!", he asked at us.

He must have noticed the thunder I've just made, but we have to make sure no one know about my powers, in order to not worry the village again furthermore with all problems they have...

So, I decided to play innocent.

"Errr... Have you seen something, Sir Berg ?!"

"Mmh... no.", he calmly answered me, before he spoke back at Philip. "I think you may have seen wrong, Philip."

"Maybe... By the way, I never knew you have already started to practice earlier. Why didn't you tell me that we changed the time before ?", he seemed annoyed.

Berg just sighted.

"I am sorry to not have informed you yesterday, Philip. Your mother told me you were tired, so I have chosen to let you resting."

Philip seemed a little contraried that we have started sooner than before... Did that mean they were used to start the training later ? So, why did Sir Berg told me to wake up at 5am ?

The former knight then added.

"Though, you can still join us. Exceptionnaly, I decided Travis can join the training practice from now.", he showed me at Philip.

"Hello Travis...", told me Philip, who stared at me with a weird glare.

I didn't know why he was watching me like this, when he approached me and sighted.

"Errr... I'm sorry for yesterday. I shouldn't have accused you of stealing my mother..."

"I-it's ok !", I replied to him, being quite embarassed.

What was weird, is that despite his excuses, it's just like he was disturbed or something like that... Did he has slept well this night ?

"By the way, where are the others ?", asked Berg at the boy.

"The twins have preferred to rest: they have stomach cramps after eating too much sweets, as the brigands have stolen all their family's healthy food."

"Ah... These ones...", Berg just sighted annoyingly, before he replied. "Anyway, let's start back training. Now you are two, why don't you both start to know each other in a single combat, so I could observe both of your skills ?", he proposed us.

We both immediately answered him.

"I would be tempted to, Sir Berg !", exclamed Philip, who was already holding his sword impatiently.

"Y-yes ! Me too I would like to try !", I replied as well.

I wasn't opposed to the idea to fight against him: indeed, he was Sir Berg's first trainee, and I saw him many times trying to beat Berg with amazing skills. So, I was sure he must be pretty strong, and if I needed to progress, I have to beat him without using my superpowers, now I was able to control them !

As we were both impatient to start knowing each other in the most particular way I've ever knew, Berg told us.

"Great. Rise your sword and prepare yourselves."

~Berg's POV~

The two boys were standing by facing each others, sharing both a look with an huge will to fight. They were holding their sword in a specifical pose while waiting for my signal. Honestly, I was quite curious to see these two boys fighting at each other, to see how much they were determined, and by the way, it was like they have truly something in common.

So, I decided to arbitrate the duel, arms crossed and standing in place, when I spoke to them.

"Are you ready ?"      

Both of the boys nodded.

"Let's the battle begin !", I announced loudly.

"Yah !"

Philip dashed towards Travis, and was the first to give the first blow, but his opponent managed to quickly counter the blow.

TCHAK ! TCHAK ! TCHAK !

Philip continued to clash his wooden sword against Travis's one, trying to disturb his balance, as he was stepping back to have a better defense.

For the moment, it was Philip who had the advantage against Travis, as I could see how ferocious and quick were each of his blows, as he was determined to get this over with fast. However, Travis managed to defend himself with the skills I've taught him.

"Woh !"

Travis avoided a blow and quickly rised his sword to counter attack Philip.

"Haaaa !"

He then managed to clash swords with Philip, forcing him to step back, as they both continued to fight with ferocity and concentration.

Both of the boys skills were admirable: despite Travis waas quite younger than his opponent, he was still able to rivalize with him, just like they has exactly the same level. For Philip, I've never seen him so much determined than before as he avoided and counter attacked with a lot of versatibility and precisions. They were constantly trying any approach by making sure to not show any weakspot, between tricks, counter attacks, and by most importantly a lot of attention towards themselves. I might be able to vizualize each of their movements, but they seemed a lot quicker than all villagers I've trained before.

They were fighting with all their strength, and all their might, clashing their swords with a lot of perseverance, as no one of them would dare to give up. I could see how much they wanted to be stronger through their eyes, and how quick were their movements. I've never seen such a tough battle since I've stopped to exerce my functions as a knight: they were using everything they have in order to defeat the other. Although they seemed as strong as each others, I noticed some differences: each of Travis's movements interpreted his will to become always stronger, while Philip's skills would show mostly his motivation to protect anyone, while they both shared these objectives. When I observed them, I was just surprised to realize they looked like us: me and Erhardt, a long time ago...

It was incredible for me to see us back by watching these boys confronting each others, when we were like them determinated to progress and to protect anyone at any costs...

These boys are really determinated to become true warriors, someday... They're like... the embryos of a future generations of heroes...

After 2 minutes of exchange, I haven't still interrupted their fight, as I waited when one will finally take down the others. Suddenly, I noticed that Travis became quite quicker, and managed to attack Philip with all his might as he tried to defend himself the much he could, when Travis suddenly break his defence by disturbing his balance, and got ready to give him the final blow when

SCREEEE !!

An eagle just appeared in the sky, passing above the boys, and at my surprise, Travis noticed the bird, when his eyes widened in terror and he became frightened, as he quickly bended down and covered his head with his hands.

"HAAAAA !!!"

TCHAAAAA !!!

"Ouch !"

Philip finally touched him, making him dropping his sword, and falling on his back, while the eagle just disappeared from our view.

Philip just profited of his fear to strike him by surprise in order to win. But... how dare he ?...

"Enough !"     

I immediately interrupted the fight, and went towards Travis, who was still terrorized as he hasn't noticed he had lost.

"Travis ! Are you alright ?!"

"I... I...", he mumbled, being curled up like a ball.

I felt myself angry towards Philip, who just watched Travis with a menacing glare, when I yelled to him.

"Philip ! What did it take you to attack loosely your opponent ?!"

"But, Sir Berg !... It's you who have taught me by yourself we have to attack our opponent when he let his guard down or when he is distracted ! It's even an essential tip to win ! After all, that's not my fault if he's afraid of eagles !", he protested.

"Couldn't you show some respect at him, training or not ?!"

"But... THAT ISN'T EVEN LIKE YOU TO SAY THAT ! WHY ARE YOU TALKING HIS DEFENSE, BY THE WAY ?!", he yelled angrily.

I was surprised by his sudden behavior: I've never seen him acting like that before...

"Philip..."

"SINCE THE BEGINNING, YOU PAY MORE ATTENTION AT THIS BOY, ALTHOUGH YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT HIM ! AND ME ?! WHAT AM I FOR YOU ?!"

Frustated, he finally ran away from us.

"PHILIP !"

I called him, but he refused to look back.

I have never expected he would act like this: he was much more troubled than I thought, and it seems that it was Travis the reason of his frustration...

And by the way, what did it take me to lecture Philip all of a sudden like that ?! Why I've been so hard with him ?! For once, he was right to say I wasn't acting normally, since I wanted to take Travis's defense.

That's right I was pretty worried for Travis's sake, so much that I've forgotten the training practice and I lost my temper towards Philip, but how could I explain this sudden worrying for this 6 years old child ?

Am I too attached by this young boy ? Have I went too far, with Philip ?

"Is... Is he gone ?", mumbled Travis, still shaking in fear innocently.

"Yes. The eagle is gone.", I reassured him.

He then slowly stood up, and sighted, when I noticed he was troubled as well.

"I... I would like to take a break, if you don't mind, of course...", he asked me calmly.

"If you want."

Without hesitation, he then walked in directions of the mountains, turning my back on me, and retrieved his sword.

He sat down at the side of the ravine, observing quietly all the beauty of the mountainous region, as he seemed to need some tranquility, quite exhausted for the tough fight he had realized... but also disturbed in his mind.

He feels responsible for Philip...       

He must have understood he was implicated in Philip's frustration.

After one minute where he contemplated the view, I went towards him, and sat at his right.

"Can I talk with you, Travis ?"

"Yes..."

He was still quite upset after what just happened.

"I see observing the beauty of these mountains is helping you to forget partially your problems.", I declared quietly.

"I don't know why..."

"Why what ?"

"Why am I scared... of eagles. They are making me... anguished when I see one of them, and I don't know how to get rid of that fear... I thought when I will train to fight with you, I could be more brave, and forget my fears... But nothing has changed, though.", he explained in a sad tone.

I understood how much his fear for eagles was troubling him, and how ashamed he felt. Personally, it was mostly worried for that young boy because of that eagle that I wanted to check if he was ok, like 2 days agos.

I decided to speak to him, noticing that he started to be aware of his problems.

"We can not directly face its fears and weaknesses all of sudden, you know. Even the proudest warrior can feel difficulty to hide his fear formed on his face."

"I know... but how can I be brave because of that ?", he sighted, feeling upset, when he declared. "Philip is right: it's my fear which makes me weaker."

"Do not say such things, please. Philip doesn't have to judge you."

"But I don't understand what he has against me... I'm innocent though, and I even retrieved his mother's bag. I'm not even angry towards him... so why does he hold a grudge on me ?", he asked at me, confused and disturbed.

I just became aware that a battle wasn't definitely the right way to make them knowing each others, but he still seemed to have learned something about him, as I did.

I answered to him calmly with a cold tone.

"I might now the reason... Myself.", I designed myself at him.

"You, Sir Berg ?", he was pretty concerned.

"I think I haven't told you all the truth about that boy.", I declared to him seriously, when I caught a breath before starting to tell him all the story. "When I arrived in the village 8 years ago, his mother was alone to raise him. She took care of him with all the care and love she provided to her son, but without he ever knew the support of a father. To be honest... his father died when he was very young."      

Travis flinched when he learned that, and quickly felt bad for him.

I continued with a sad tone.

"So, he has to handle the role of the man of his house with his father's abscence, and at his 9 years, he slowly developped the need to have a paternal figure. Aware that he needed to become a warrior to protect his mother, he started to learn how to swing a sword only a few weeks ago, and I can admit he finally found the father he ever wished... Me."

He became surprised to figure out who Philip was seeing as a father. Effectly, it was me and no one else that he considered me like the father he never had. It was in me that he showed a lot of admiration, while I was the person whom he needed his help to become a grown up man... It was hard to believe, but it was the real truth.

I continued.

"When he saw me having attention towards you, he must have felt betrayed, and he should have developped a jealousy towards you..."

Philip definitely needed someone to help him to get stronger and wiser, and to be able to help his dear mother in return to protect her in exchange of all the care and love she provided him alone. I understood well his determination, because I, too, once had someone to protect.

And it was the same case for Travis, who definitely started to look like that boy, by sharing as well the loss of loved one and the need to get stronger for some reasons. It was because of that comparison that Philip was jealous against him, just like he has seen himself who want to take his place, but he refused that. That's why he was troubled last night, when he observed us eating at the inn with a smile on our lips, with an equal complicity like father and son, while it was what me and him were often eating each weeks. He might has still 9 years old, but I admitted he was already starting to become mature.

After listening to me, Travis confessed to me.

"That's my fault if he got mad:  I shouldn't have showed up in that village from nowhere like that..."

"No. It's me who haven't payed attention to Philip. I should have talked about with him, and understood he started to be more mature, these times... Now I understand his mother's words: maybe I should be more focused on his feelings since a long t..."

"Aaaaahhhhhh !!!"

We heard someone screaming from the others side of the village, when some breaking noises reached our eyes, when I quickly stood up, and noticed one of the lookouts, who looked really worried.

I called upon him.

"What's going on ?!!"

"B-berg, sir ! Brigands ! We're under attack !", warned the man.      

"What ?!", we both exclamed in surprise.

"Brigands from the hill ! They're coming from the north !", he added.

"Aaaaaaaahhhh !!!"

More people screamed in panic, as I noticed from far a few persons dressed exactly like brigands, who approached the village with menacing weapons, as most of the citizens flew away from them in fear.

"That's no good !", I said to myself, being serious of the unexpected situation.

They should have expected that the lookouts were less vigilant at this period of the day, unlike during the night were they are very cautious to any stranger ! Anyway, I couldn't let one of them harming some innocents,  and I have to join the others who must have started to try repealing them !

So, I took my wooden sword, and said to Travis.

"Travis ! Find a place to hide, now !"

He stood up, aware of the danger, when I dashed towards one of the closes exits, followed by one of the lookouts.

I have to help the others... but how did these brigands would dare to attack us directly ?!

~Travis's POV~

Oh no ! Maybe they came back because of me...    

After what I did to the 3 goofy brigands yesterday, they might have told their boss, and now, they must be so many to attack Cobblestone !

Sir Berg told me to hide somewhere, and despite I would feel ashamed to let him alone, I understood he wanted me to be safe, like the others, but I couldn't support to do nothing in these conditions.

Thought, if Sir Berg doubled the security, so he shouldn't be alone to fight those evil brigands, and the citizens must be safe from now... wait...

"Philip !", I just reminded him.

He might not have heard that bandits were attacking the village after he ran away from us ! He will be in danger if I didn't prevent him ! I have to find him now !

So, I started to run at the south side of the village, looking for him.

"Philip ! Where are you !", I called him.

That wasn't good... Even if the guy said that bandits would came from the northern side of Cobblestone, that would leave an opening at the south, and it was exactly where Philip has run !

I dashed through the village, when I noticed a pair of brigands bullying a woman.

"Yaaaaahhh !! Let me go !"

It was Philip's mom ! One of the brigands was gripping tightly her wrist, while the others started to steal some stuff !

"Well, aren't you a pretty lady...", said the one who had caught her, as she tried desperately to escape.

"Look at the booty we got !", exclamed the other one.

"Maybe she will appeal to the boss !", smirked the first one.

"LET MY MOTHER GO !!! YOU DUMB HEADS !!", yelled angrily a familiar voice.

Philip suddenly appeared from nowhere, and faced at the two brigands without any fear, pointing his wooden sword towards these guys.

"Hey ! What do he want from us, that brat ?!", smirked one of the bad guys.

"NO PHILIP ! GO AWAY ! DON'T WORRY FOR ME !", begged his mother, scared for the safety of her son.

"NO WAY I WILL LET THESE BANDITS HARMING YOU ! MOTHER !", he insisted, still determined to go at his mother's rescue.

One of the brigands laughed.

"Wahahahaha ! Is he providing us a show, this kid ?!"

"Oh... Help me, mommy ! I'm afraid !", joked badly the other one.

I finally managed to find Philip, but now he was just surrounded by 2 brigands who had real weapons this time. I must give him an help hand, now !

So, I appeared next to him, and yelled angrily at the brigands.

"GO AWAY, DAMN THIEVES, OR I'LL BEAT YOU UP !"

Me too I wasn't scared, wanting to protect both of them.

"Ha ha ha ha ha ! Those brats are so funny !", laughed the other brigands, who were clearly underestimating us.

Philip's mother was surprised to see me as well, and became more worried.

"Please, boys... Don't stay here..."

"Maybe we could bring these kids to the boss instead of her !", said the one who was holding her hostage.

"Yeah, that's could be way funnier !", replied the other evil brigands.

Me and Philip just stood afront of the brigands, who were all taking their sharp and menacing axes, as we both refused to flee.

While Philip stayed calm with his wooden sword in hands, I didn't take mine, but I think I would try to use my superpowers to electrocute them for once, instead of using my sword as I needed to train more.

So, I was about to cross my fingers to activate them.

Okay... They are two.... I can handle them ! One... Two...

SBUNK !!

Suddenly, there was a third guy who hit me by behing with a club, knocking me out.

My vision became more blurred, and I could only hear some sounds of screaming.

"Philip !!!..."

The blow was so hard that I never had the time to do anything...

I lose my mind...

~

A/N: 1, 5 millions !

It's the number of sales worldwide on Switch for Octopath Traveler ! I'm so happy the game has such ana amazing success. Good new: Square Enix just announced a prequel on IOS called Octopath Traveler: Champion of the Continent, and a sequel is even announced ! I'm so happy there will be a sequel but... I don't have any ideas if I will adapt them to my book or not !

Since the beginning, I've planified the entire story to be mostly based on the first game, but if ever I also based the two others games (especially the sequel), it will take me much more time to end my fanfiction, you know ! And it's already such an hard work to take several days to write a chapter, its dialogues, to develop the characters... So, you know how much time it is !

Anyway, I won't be opposed to play these games, once they will be released !

I'm glad you enjoyed my chapter, and see you next time !